Saturday, 1 January 2011

Hello 2011

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose

by any other name would smell as sweet."

Romeo and Juliet

"Mr Skellington" got his delightful name when some Primary School children were unable properly to pronounce "skeleton". He was very thin - just 'skin and bones' as they say. So, looking like a skeleton, he got the name that he proudly wears.

It seems to me that he has a great life ... a bed beside the Aga and whatever he needs by way of creature comforts. His companion, Mr Chocolate, and he were the picture of utter contentment today as I enjoyed morning coffee with my friends. They are, of course, owned by the cats (and two dogs) and delight to attend to their every command!

Mr Chocolate has the most endearing blue eyes that you'd ever see ... so I can understand why these two are in charge! Who wouldn't melt at that gaze? And this comes from me who has never been noted as a cat lover. Somehow, Mr S and Mr C don't quite fit the category "cat". They're a class apart ... and I think that they know it.

Twenty seven pictures later I put away the camera and headed back home to make sure that the two dogs currently in the rectory hadn't killed each other.

All was calm and peaceful. Molly was asleep upstairs and Eliot in his basket at the front door. Quite remarkably they get on very well - unless Molly goes anywhere near Eliot's food bowl! It is clear who is top dog and since that priority has been established she doesn't even try any more.

Now, my head is full of the Bach Cantata for New Year ... it is being sung in our evening service tomorrow as we reflect on God's presence in the midst of hardship. In the final part the bass sings:

Nur getrost, getrost, ihr Herzen,

Be comforted, be comforted, you hearts,

Hier ist Angst, dort Herrlichkeit!

Here is anxiety, there glory!

Und die Freude jener Zeit

and the joy of that time

Überwieget alle Schmerzen.

outweighs all sorrows.

If anyone is in the area at seven o'clock on Sunday, 2nd January then this will be something worth attending!

For now, I wish you all a very peaceful New Year surrounded by God's blessing.

Almighty God,
in the birth of your Son
you have poured on us the new light of your incarnate Word,
and shown us the fullness of your love:
Help us to walk in this light and dwell in his love
that we may know the fullness of his joy;
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Elizabeth the Rector

I'm a Parish Priest in Belfast.
After reading geography at Queen's University, Belfast I began a teaching career in Lurgan Technical College. Then, after three years of further study in London Bible College (The London School of Theology) I began teaching Religious Studies in Kilkeel - in the school where I'd been a pupil!
In 1999 I resigned from that post and began a two year course in Dublin; both at the Church of Ireland Theological College and The Milltown Institute, in preparation for the ordained ministry.
The curacy years were in Bangor Abbey and then I moved to the country as rector of two small parish churches.
In 2008 I accepted a call to Saint Nicholas' on the Lisburn Road in Belfast.
Keep up to date with the church information at:
http://saintnicholasparishchurchbelfast.shutterfly.com/